IIT, Madras students union banned

The IIT, Madras has banned Periyar Ambedkar students’ union as 20 students spread pamphlets in the campus protesting against Modi government and its schemes being implemented. Trouble began 15 days back with the students distributing the pamphlets. The IIT, Madras, is one of the prestigious universities in the country. The IIT took action against the university APSC union. The IIT director Prisco Mathew wrote a letter to the HRD ministry. The APSC took exception to it and clarified that they did not hurt the feelings of any one and that their action was not against the freedom of speech.

They also said that it was their right to criticise the Modi government. Meanwhile, the HRD minister Smrithi Irani reacted saying that the IITs were autonomous and that the Centre would not interfere in their activities. The IIT said that it was not against the freedom of speech but they banned the union only finding fault with the students giving publicity to their activities under the cover of the university. Opposition supported the students and questioned the role of RSS and BJP related unions giving publicity. The controversy is spreading and raised the dust in the political circles triggering a debate.